Senior Men's Begin in Luganville

With perfect weather for cricket on Saturday, the Club de Samna Senior Men's Cricket Club Championship was a day to remember for those who were at the College de Santo sports ground to witness the first ever senior men's cricket competition to be staged in Luganville.

Full of excitement, the day was witnessed by the Luganville first citizen, the Lord Mayor, Mr. Trevor Moliva, the Luganville Municipal Council (LMC) Deputy Town Clerk, Allan Mahit and registered players, teachers and cricket fans.

The day started with speeches from the Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) General Manager, Mr. Pierre Chilia followed by Lord Mayor, Mr Trevor Moliva. In his official speech, the honourable Lord Mayor encourages all citizens of Luganville to involve themselves in sports, to give every individual good health. He also called on business communities in Luganville to put their money (sponsorships) in sports discipline that are dormant to advertise their businesses to another level.

At the end of his speech the Lord Mayor declared the 'Senior Men's Cricket Competition' officially open by hitting the first ball off the bowling of LMC Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Alan Mahit.

Former cricket players like Mr. Alsen Obed, Mr. Niel Netaf and Mr. Pokilau Salerua were on hand to coach and motivate those who played cricket for the first time.

Team Oak Tree was lead by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Moliva and team Pine Tree, lead by the Deputy Town Clerk, Mr. Mahit. Oak Tree won the toss and batted first while Pine Tree bowled. Oak Tree were bowled out for 38 runs. Pine Tree in the second inning were bowled out for only twenty-eight (28) runs.

At the end of all the matches everyone gathered together to encourage new cricket players, youths and everyone to come every Saturday to play cricket. There were encouraging words from Mr. Neil Netaf, Mr. Sergio Thomas (College Principal) and Mr. Graham Lele (Sanma Provincial Cricket Association Development Officer).

The Vanuatu Cricket Association through it's Sanma Cricket Development Office in Luganville has been assured by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Trevor Moliva that the Luganville Municipal is behind cricket development in Luganville/Sanma. Mr Moliva also assured those in attendance that he will make sure there is funding available to sports for 2012. He also emphasized the need to facilitate this assistance down to each individual disciplines, giving cricket as an example.

Overall Cricket Outreach Development Program is funded by the European Union (EU) and the Australian Government through its Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP).